Why An Elopement Might Be the Solution to your Problems

If you’re reading this, then I’m going to assume at some point during your engagement, you have thought, “wouldn’t it all be easier to just run away and get married”. Am I right? I know I thought it a thousand times when planning my own wedding. Wedding planning is extremely stressful, not just given all the things you need to find, organise and book, but financially too. If you feel this way, don’t worry! This is totally normal for every Bride and Groom I have ever worked with. Does it mean you won’t have a big wedding? Of course not! It just means you are in touch with the stressful reality of wedding planning. But, have you considered how an elopement might actually benefit you? If you’ve ever wanted to run away to an exotic location and marry the love of your life, then let’s look at why elopements might be the answer for you (check out my 11 major benefits of eloping vs wedding).

They are cheap!

Not in a bad way, but in a literal way! Think about it, if the average wedding in Australia costs about $60,000, and most people have approximately 120 people at a wedding, then how much is your elopement going to cost with just the 2 of you? Ok, maybe bring parents, or even a couple friends, so lets say 10 people max! I cannot see that costing more than $10,000, and that is if you flew somewhere exotic, like Iceland or Canada! If you were thinking of New Zealand, you are easily doing this for under $6,000!

Forget the hefty floral bills, the expensive venues, and the ridiculous cost per head (sometimes up to $250/head). It’s you, your partner, travel costs, wedding attire, and me (your photographer).

So that takes care of the financial worries and stresses that planning a wedding can bring. And, think of all that saved money. What to do with it! Well calmer heads might say save for a house, but James White Photography will suggest you extend your holiday (wherever we fly to elope), and continue on the most epic honeymoon ever!

They are fun!

I mean, just think about it. And firstly, I have nothing against traditional weddings, I had one myself…but imagine flying to Canada, and getting married in a National Park, on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous wilderness, snow capped mountains surrounding you. Imagine the fun of the journey, the travel to the destination and then the hike to the actual location. It all seems like a lot of fun, and that’s because it is!

Now don’t get me wrong, weddings are a lot of fun too! But they usually do not entail this level of journey.

And the best bit, you’re already overseas, so I say just let your honeymoon commence. The moment you’re done with your elopement, you get to kick off on your own journey as a newly married couple and start enjoying life.

They can be organised much faster!

If you’ve been following me a minute, then you know that it is wise to organise your wedding at least 12 months in advance to avoid disappointment.This is because they are usually organised on the most busy days, Saturdays. They require loads of vendors (for a list of vendors and when to contact them click here) to make happen as well.

With elopements, usually it is just clothing required, a photographer (and a videographer if you want a video, which I suggest), a celebrant and some plane tickets. Significantly less things to organise. And to add to this, you don’t need to give people loads of notice so they can take time off work, or ensure they are free. It’s just about you two, so you don’t really need much notice.

Put all this together, and you can probably organise an elopement on 3-6 months if you really wanted to.

If you want to discuss if an elopement might be right for you, I would love to have a chat and help you work it out! Get in touch, totally obligation free, and I would be stoked to chat with you!